I am one week home from a heart attack. 2 stints were placed and I'm told to watch my cholesterol and blood pressure. Now, common sense tells me to cut the fat and salt (which I did not use anyway, but know it is in everything). My problem is figuring out how much and what kinds of fat I should use.

I went online and everything I read said I should shoot for a cholesterol level of 200 per day. If that be true, I shot that this morning with 1/2 cup grits (no butter), 1 scrambled egg (non-stick spray) and 1 piece of toast (again, no butter) - total 218.

My first thought is to see if you got any nutrition info from your doctor. I would start there, or consult with a registered dietician. This is something you don't want to mess up.

You might get some info searching "healthy fats" and "unhealthy fats" to help you differentiate. Also check your library, bookstore, etc. for "heart healthy" cookbooks. It was the egg that did you in today and I am sure there are a ton of alternative recipes out there since millions of people have heart disease and heart issues.

Instead of using a whole egg, just use the egg whites. Don't eat too much red meat, as it is high in cholesterol too. Your saturated fats should be around 9 grams a day total, with total fats not exceeding 46 grams. However you will need to eat healthy fats, they are very important in maintaining healthy cardiovascular health. But again, in measured amounts...olive oil, fatty fish, walnuts, almonds. Fish oil supplements are good too.

I agree with Cassie, however, you should see a registered dietician to wade thru all the information and try and apply it to real life. I am also happy you are better and are home.

Thanks for the tips. I don't see my Dr. again until next week, so I'm just muddlin' along on what little common sense I have left. Difficult to cut the fat and salt when absolutely everything has both already built in!! Stepping up the steamed veggies, fish, chicken and whole grains.....boring, but I'm not starving. Hope to get some specific menu plans with variety .... including some chocolate every now and then.